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After
building custom sponsons and inflatable tubes for 10 years we
now stock white sponsons in 4, 6 and 8" diameters for canoes, kayaks,
dinghies and small boats. Length is 7.5 feet, long enough to spread the
volume out and still fit canoes and dinghies. Priced in
pairs, sponsons include the mounting track plus a retaining strap for 6
and 8" diameters.
The
pvc track is easy to install either along or just under the
gunwale of the boat. Tracks now come in two pieces per side. The sponson is then slid into the track and
inflated. The curve of the gunwale locks the sponson in place. For the
6 and 8" diameters an optional strap with guides is included to further
hold the sponson down when submerged.
The
benefit of the track is the sponson can be easily removed when not
needed or for transporting the boat on a car or trailer. It also allows
easy swapping of sponsons for different applications, users and
flotation. Mounting instructions are included with fastener
recommendations depending on boat material.
Choosing the best diameter depends on how and by who the boat is going
to be used. The 4" diameter works well as a bumper for dinghies and
adds some stability without dragging in the water. It's good against a
larger vessel for easy boarding. Each sponson provides
approximately 39 lbs of floatation.
The
6" diameter provides approximately 88 lbs of floatation per sponson for
good support and stability in many conditions and uses. It's a good
alternative to the 8" for boats with less freeboard or if interference
with rowing or paddling could be a factor.
The
8" diameter sponson has enough floatation at 162 lbs per sponson to
permit most people to climb into the boat from the water without
swamping. Good for snorkeling, diving, swimming and stability.
The
sponsons can be used in many ways, including as emergency floatation
either inside or outside the boat. A 10" diameter may be
added in the future. We can also supply custom lengths, materials and
optional colors. Tracks are 90 inches long but shipped in two pieces to
avoid excess shipping charges.
Sponsons are constructed of a liner which holds the air, and a cover of
reinforced pvc for protection, including UV rays. The luff tape is sewn
to the cover and sponsons are tapered at each end. The valve is a
simple tube, folded in half and pushed into a sleeve. We have been
using this simple design for over 10 years. Sponsons have a 2 year
warranty against defects and are not designed for high speed pounding
in waves.
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